The sleep cycle demystified

Understanding the intricacies of the sleep cycle can be the key to unlocking truly rejuvenating rest. As we drift off into dreamland each night, our bodies embark on a fascinating journey through a series of distinct sleep stages, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits. In this article, we'll take a deep dive into the stages of sleep, shedding light on what happens in each phase and why it's essential for our overall health and wellbeing.

Stage 1: Drifting Off

As you begin to nod off, your body enters the first stage of sleep known as non-REM stage 1 (N1). This is the transition phase between wakefulness and sleep, lasting only a few minutes. During stage 1, your brain waves start to slow down, and you may experience fleeting sensations of falling or floating. You're still easily awakened during this stage, and it's common to experience sudden muscle contractions known as hypnic jerks.

Stage 2: Light Sleep

Next up is non-REM stage 2 (N2), the stage of light sleep. This phase typically makes up the majority of your sleep cycle, accounting for about 45-55% of total sleep time in adults. During stage 2, your brain waves continue to slow down, and your body temperature and heart rate decrease slightly. You're less likely to be awakened during this stage, but you're still relatively easy to rouse compared to deeper stages of sleep.

Stages 3 and 4: Deep Sleep

Stages 3 and 4 of the sleep cycle, collectively known as non-REM stage 3 (N3) or slow-wave sleep (SWS), are the deepest and most restorative phases of sleep. During these stages, your brain waves slow down even further, and your body enters a state of complete relaxation. This is when your muscles repair and regenerate and your immune system strengthens. It's also when your brain consolidates memories and processes information from the day.

Stage 5: REM Sleep - The Dream Stage

Last but not least is rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, the stage associated with dreaming. REM sleep typically occurs around 90 minutes after falling asleep and recurs multiple times throughout the night, with each REM period getting longer as the night progresses. During REM sleep, your brain becomes highly active, while your body remains paralysed to prevent you from acting out your dreams. This is when your brain processes emotions, enhances learning, and promotes creativity.

The Sleep Cycle: Rinse and Repeat

Throughout the night, your body cycles through these stages of sleep multiple times, with each cycle lasting approximately 90 minutes. As the night progresses, the proportion of time spent in each stage may vary, with more time spent in REM sleep during the latter half of the night. This cyclical pattern of sleep is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being, and disruptions to the sleep cycle can have profound effects on our physical and mental health.

Conclusion: Embrace the Journey

In conclusion, the sleep cycle is a fascinating journey through a series of distinct stages, each playing a vital role in our overall health and well-being. From the initial drift into slumber to the deep, restorative phases of sleep and the vivid dreams of REM sleep, every stage serves a purpose in helping us feel refreshed and rejuvenated come morning. So, the next time you go to bed wear your VELVÆRE earplugs to let your body do what it does best – sleep.